first day hike -- beltzville state park

 Every year, the state park system holds a "first hike" on January first. Part of it is to enter the new year healthy. Park is to show off our super state parks and programs. Last year Angel's family and I did the one in French Creek. Today Lydia and I did the one at Beltzville in Lehighton. I don't think I've ever been there. The hike was advertised as "easy", "all ages", and "2.5 miles"

We found it pretty easily but it became clear, really quickly, that this was a popular event. There was at least 80 people there, and nowhere to park. It was 1:55, so I dropped Lyd off to sign us in, and then headed to the lot near the lake.

 On the way back I found a covered bridge. Cool, right? (According to the DCNP website "At the suggestion of local residents, the original covered bridge, built across Pohopoco Creek in 1841 by local craftsman Jacob Buck, has been relocated between the picnic areas and the beach for public use and enjoyment. This bridge was first used by horse and buggy traffic and later by one-lane car traffic. It is now for pedestrian use only.")

The naturalist that was running the walk, told us that we'd be going to the dam breast. It's usually a restricted area, but he obtained permission from the Army Corp of Engineers.

And then we were off. There was a lot of snow. Some hard and icy. Some slushy. Lots of mud. It was clear I wore the wrong footwear and should have brought my hiking stick. I also should have thrown dry socks and shoes in the car.

We first went thru a gate that was open, and then as we approached the bridge, we ran into these signs. We strolled right past them and onto the dam.

 One thing I noticed immediately was the water level. Summer took a beating on this man-made lake. Look at the arrow I drew. It's pointing to a dock. The end of the white is the edge of the water.

Crossing the dam it was apparent this was a much longer walk than advertised. The dam itself was at least a mile long.

The we retraced our steps and returned to the environmental ed center for water and hot cocoa. On the way back, I slipped and went splat. Right on Lydia's foot.

Inside the center they were selling Pennsylvania State Park passports. Something I've wanted for maybe two years. I have the national park one. Neither will ever be filled. But it's all about the chase, isn't it?

In 2017 I'm going to try and include stats about each walk. If you don't care about them, don't read them.

Walk Stats:
Miles/Steps: about 5 miles
Bathrooms:  I-3.5
Wildlife:       None 😞
Weather:     Beautiful, sunny, with snow on the ground 😃
Extras:        None